Email Counselling with Chloe Foster - Understanding Personal Therapy in Counsellor Training













In Episode 349 of the Counselling Tutor Podcast, your hosts Rory Lees-Oakes and Ken Kelly take us through this week’s three topics:



Firstly, in ‘Ethical, Sustainable Practice’, we discuss how supervision shapes better therapists



Then in ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Chloe Foster about her specialism in email counselling and the benefits and challenges of working through the written word.



And finally, in ‘Student Services’, Rory and Ken explore the role of personal therapy in counsellor training and why it is an essential part of your development.







How Supervision Shapes Better Therapists [starts at 03:14 mins]



In this section, Rory and Ken reflect on how supervision shapes better therapists by showing how different supervision models can guide and enhance counselling practice.



Key points discussed include:




Supervision models act as a map, guiding how supervision works and what responsibilities each party holds.



Models such as the Inskipp and Proctor model (normative, formative, restorative) help supervisees and supervisors identify needs during sessions.



The Integrative Developmental Model (IDM) supports counsellors as they move from apprentice, to journey person, and eventually to master craftsperson.



The Seven Eyed Model allows therapists to explore their work from multiple perspectives, deepening reflection and practice.



Training as a supervisor not only informs supervisory practice but also refines the therapist’s internal supervisor, strengthening their overall client work.








Email Counselling with Chloe Foster [starts at 36:00 mins]



In this week’s ‘Practice Matters’, Rory speaks with Chloe Foster, a Pink Therapy accredited practitioner, about working with clients via email.



Key points from this conversation include:




Email counselling offers asynchronous communication, giving clients time and space to process and reflect.



It can be particularly effective for clients with busy schedules, neurodivergence, or those who find face-to-face interaction challenging.



The disinhibition effect often allows clients to go deeper in written communication, sharing things they may struggle to say out loud.



Email counselling requires specialist training to address unique considerations around contracting, boundaries, and endings.



Supervision for email counsellors should ideally be provided by supervisors experienced in this modality.




🔹 Wondering if email counselling could work for you?Chloë has a helpful resource waiting for you: Quiz - Is Email Counselling right for you?







Understanding Personal Therapy in Counsellor Training [starts at 01:02:26 mins]



In this section, Rory and Ken unpack why personal therapy is required during counsellor training and the value it adds to a student’s journey.



Key points include:




Personal therapy helps students process the intensity of training and the personal changes it brings.



It provides a space to explore material that may be triggered by client work.



Therapy supports self-awareness, emotional resilience, and professional growth.



Experiencing therapy first-hand gives students insight into the client perspective.



Far from being a sign of weakness, engaging in personal therapy strengthens both the practitioner and their practice.










Links and Resources



Counselling Skills Academy



Advanced Certificate in Counselling Supervision



Basic Counselling Skills: A Student Guide



Counsellor CPD



Counselling Study Resource



Counselling Theory in Practice: A Student Guide



Counselling Tutor Training and CPD



Facebook group



Website



Online and Telephone Counselling: A Practitioner’s Guide



Online and Telephone Counselling Course